Closure devices

ABSTRACT

The closure device comprises two toggle links connected between base members. Hinge elements, preferably integral with the toggle links, are connected between the two toggle links, and also between each link and the corresponding member. In a modified construction, interfitting hook elements are provided between on toggle link and the corresponding base member. The toggle links are preferably made of flexible, resilient plastic material. In one advantageous application of the closure device, the base members are secured to the closure flaps of a shoe, by means of one or more laces, threaded through the lace holes in the shoe, and also through corresponding lace openings in the base members. The outer toggle link preferably covers and conceals the other toggle link, and also the base members.

United States Patent [72] lnventor Charles J. Mathey 517 S. RenterDrive, Arlington Heights, [11. 60005 [21] Appl. No. 32,107

[22] Filed Apr. 27, 1970 [45] Patented Aug. 24, 197 l [54] CLOSUREDEVICES 22 Claims, 7 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S. Cl 24/71 SK, 36/50 [51] lnLCl. A43c 11/14 [50] Field otSearch36/50; 24/68 T. 73 GC, 270, 71 SK, 71 T, 68 SK [561 References CitedUNITED STATES PATENTS 2,345,057 3/ 1944 Marinetti 36/50 2,613,41410/1952 Jones 24/71 SK Primary Examiner-Donald A. GriffinAttorney-Burmeister, Palmatier & l-lamby ABSTRACT: The closure devicecomprises two toggle links connected between base members. Hingeelements, preferably integral with the toggle links, are connectedbetween the two toggle links, and also between each link and thecorresponding member. in a modified construction, interfitting hookelements are provided between on toggle link and the corresponding basemember. The toggle links are preferably made of flexible, resilientplastic material. In one advantageous application of the closure device,the base membets are secured to the closure flaps of a shoe, by means ofone or more laces, threaded through the lace holes in the shoe, and alsothrough corresponding lace openings in the base mernbers. The outertoggle link preferably covers and conceals the other toggle link, andalso the base members.

Patented Aug. 24, 1971 3,600,761

2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOP 5 Charles .I Mal/my 9 W fmggt Patented Aug.24, 1971 3,600,751

2 Sheets-Sheet 2 CLOSURE DEVICES This invention relates to new andimproved closure devices, adapted to be closed quickly and easily with atoggle action. The closure devices may be used very advantageously toreplace other closure devices, such as laces, buckles, buttons, zippersand the like. In one particularly advantageous application, the closuredevices may be mounted on shoes and employedinstead of other types offasteners to secure the shoes in place on the feet of the wearer.

One object of the present invention is to provide a new and improvedclosure device which may be opened and closed very quickly and easily.

Another object is to provide a closure device which affords a loosemechanical connection between the members to be joined, even when theclosure device is in its open position.

A further object is to provide a closure device which affordsadjustability in the extent to which the members to be joined are drawntogether.

Another object is to provide a closure device which is attractive inappearance, yet can be produced at very low cost.

Thus, the present invention provides a closure device comprising twobase members which can'be mounted on the members to be joined, or may beformed integrally with such members. First and second toggle links areconnected between the base members. It is preferred to provide anintegral hinge connection between the two toggle links and other hingeconnections between the toggle links and the base members. Preferably,the base members, the links and the hinge connections are molded orextruded in one piece from a suitable plastic material. In a modifiedconstruction, the hinge connection between one of the toggle links andthe corresponding base member is replaced with interfitting, separablehook members The toggle links are preferably curved and may be designedto flex appreciably when the links are swung to their closed position.In this way, the closure device compensates for variations in the extentto which the members to be joined can be drawn together. Suchcompensation can also be provided by mounting soft, resilient pads onthe under sides of the base members. In one advantageous construction,openings are formed in the base members to receive one or more laces,whereby the base members may be mounted on the closure flaps of a shoeor the like. The lace or laces are threaded through the openings in thebase members, and also through the eyelets in the closure flaps of theshoe. The laces afford ad justability, so that the tightness of theclosure device can be varied. Recesses may be formed in the toggle linksto afford spaces for portions of the laces. Channels may be formed inthe base members to receive the end portions of the laces.

Further objects, advantages and features of the present invention willappear from the following description taken with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a closure device to be described asan illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the closure devicebeing mounted on the closure flaps of a shoe.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged elevational section taken generally as indicatedby the line 2-2 in FIG. 1, the closure device being shown in its closedposition.

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 but showing a slightly modifiedclosure device in its open position.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary section, taken generally along the line 44 inFIG. 2.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are views similar to Fig. 4 but showing modifiedconstructions.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary elevation, similar to FIG. 2 but showing amodified construction.

The invention is illustrated by way of example in FIG. I in the form ofa closure device 10 mounted on a shoe 12. The closure device 10 issecured to the closure flaps 14 of the shoe 12.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the closure device 10 comprises basemembers 16 and 18 which are mounted on the corresponding closure flaps14. If desired, either or both of the base members may be formedintegrally with the means to be closed. Toggle links 20 and 22 extendbetween the base members l6 and 18. In FIG. 2, the toggle links 20 and22 are shown in their closed position, in which the base members 16 and18 are drawn together. In Fig. 3, the toggle links 20 and 22 are shownin their open position, in which the base members 16 and 18 are capableof being separated to a considerable extent. However, the toggle links20 and 22 continue to provide a loose mechanical connection between thebase members 16 and 18.

It will be seen that a hinge connection 24 is provided between the links20 and 22.

Another hinge connection 26 is provided between the base member 16 andthe link 20. Similarly, a hinge connection 28 is provided between thebase member 18 and the link 22. Preferably, all of the hinge connections24, 26 and 28 are formed integrally with the links 20 and 22. In thisway, the base members 16 and 18, the links 20 and 22, and all of thehinge connections 24, 26 and 28 can be made in one piece. It ispreferred to mold or extrude all of these elements in one piece from asuitable resinous plastic material such as polyethylene, polyropylene orthe like. The plastic material should be flexible and tough so thathinge elements 24, 26 and 28 will withstand repeated flexing. The hingeelements 24, 26 and 28 are made sufficiently thin to be readilyflexible.

It will be seen that the hinge elements 24 and 26 are formed onprojections 30 and 32 extending downwardly or laterally from the link20. The projections 30 and 32 are tapered or reduced in thickness towardtheir outer ends.

As illustrated, the link 22 has tapered end portions 34 and 36 adjacentthe hinge connections 24 and 28. The hinge connection 24 is locatedtoward the lower side of the link 22, while the hinge 28 is locatedtoward the upper side of such link.

The illustrated base member 18 is provided with a projection 38, whichextends upwardly and is connected to the hinge element 28. When thetoggle links 20 and 22 are in their closed position, as shown inFIG. 2,the link 22 is nested between the base member 18 and the link 20. Itwill be seen that the link 20 causes the engagement ofthe projection 38on the base member 18 with corresponding projection 40 on the basemember 16. The link 20 is longer than the link 22, and is adapted tocover and conceal the link 22, when the links are in their closedposition. In the illustrated construction, the link 20 is of asufficiently large size to cover and conceal the base members 16 and 18,except for the extreme end portions thereof. Thus, the entire mechanismof the closure device is concealed by the link 20 when the closuredevice is in its closed position.

The links 20 and 22 provide a toggle action when the links are swungfrom the open position of FIG. 3 to the closed position of FIG. 2. Thus,tension is exerted by the link 20, so as to draw the base member 16toward the base member 18. A compressive force is exerted by the link 22so as to push the base member 18 toward the base member 16. Shortlybefore the links 20 and 22 reach their closed position, the link 20passes over center, in that the line of action of the link 20 mergeswith, and then passes the line of action of the link 22. As a result,the links 20 and 22 are held in their closed position by the forcesdeveloped in the links due to the closing action.

Preferably the links 20 and 22 are curved, generally in the mannerillustrated in Figs. 2 and 3. With this construction, the forcesdeveloped in the links tend to cause flexure of the links. Such flexureor bending of the links makes it possible for the links to accommodatevariations in the extent to which the base members 16 and 18 can bedrawn together. However, in some cases the links can be straight orcurved in a different manner from that illustrated.

To facilitate the opening of the closure device, the link 20 ispreferably formed with a projecting lip or handle 42 at one end,adjacent the hinge connection 24. The handle 42 makes it easy to exertan outward force upon the link 20 when the closure device is to beopened.

The base members 16 and 18 are preferably formed with interfitting lipsor flanges 44 and 46, to assist in maintaining alignment between thebase members as they are drawn together. The lips 44 and 46 are taperedin thickness. The lip 46 overhangs the base member 18 so as to form atapered groove 48 therebetween. As the base members 16 and 18 are drawntogether, the lip 44 becomes seated in the groove 18, as shown in Fig.2.

The base members 16 and 18 are adapted to be mounted on the members tobe joined by the closure device. It is feasible to use various fasteningelements for mounting the base members 16 and 18. Thus, the base memberscan be fastened by rivets or other mechanical fasteners, or by means ofsewing or adhesives. In addition, the base members can be formedintegrally with the members'to be joined.

As previously indicatedQthe closure device 10 is mounted on the closureflaps 14 of the shoe 12. In the illustrated construction, the basemembers 16 and 18 are secured to the closure flaps 14 by means of ashoelace 50. The closure flaps are formed with the usual lace holes oreyelets 52, which are used in mounting the closure device 10 on the shoe12. Corresponding lace openings 54 are formed in the members 16 and 18,and are positioned so as to be lined up, or nearly so, with the holes52.

Various lacing arrangements may be employed. Generally, it isadvantageous to arrange the lace or laces so that they extend generallyparallel to the edges of the lips 44 and 46.

FIGS. 1-4 show a lacing arrangement which is suitable for an even numberof lace holes.52 and openings 54. As shown in Fig. 4, there are foursuch holes and corresponding openings. It will be seen that the lace 50has a portion 53, which extends transversely between the closure flaps14. The ends of the lace 50 are then threaded through the lace holes 52and the corresponding openings 54. Each end portion of the lace is thenbrought upwardly around the rear edge portion 55 of the correspondingclosure flap 14. A channel or groove 56 is preferablyformed in each ofthe base members 16 and 18, so that one end portion of the lace can bethreaded through the channels to the front edges 58 of the correspondingbase members. A knot 60 may be formed in each end portion of the lace toretain it in place. If desired, the two ends of the lace can be tiedtogether against the front edges 58 of the base members 16 and 18. Otherinterference elementsmay be employed on the ends of the lace 52, ifdesired, instead of using knots.

FIG. 5 illustrates a slightly modified lacing arrangement which isappropriate for an odd number of lace holes 52 and 54. The arrangementis the same as before, except that each end portion of the lace 20 iswrapped around the rear edge portion 62 of the corresponding base member16 or 18, before being threaded through the channel 56. As before, theends of the lace 50 are anchored by such means as the knots 60, or

other interference elements.

FIG. 6 illustrates a modified lacing arrangement, utilizing two laces64, so there is no need for the transversely extending portion 52 of thesingle lace, as described in connection with FIG. 4. As to each of thebase members 16 and 18, the corresponding lace 64 is threaded throughthe lace holes 52 and openings 54. The end portion 66 of the lace isthen wrapped around the rear edge portion 62 of the base member, and isthreaded through the channel 56 to the front end of the base member. Theends of the lace 64 are then tied together to form a knot 68. The lacingarrangement of FIG. 6 is advantageous because the opening of the closureflaps 14 is not limited by any portion of the lace, extending betweenthe closure flaps.

It will be recognized that the lace arrangements of FIGS. 4, 5, and 6make it possible to adjust the extent to which the closure flaps aredrawn together when the closure device 10 is swung to its closedposition. Once the lace or laces have been adjusted, the closure devicealways draws the closure flaps together with the same degree oftightness.

To afford clearance for portions of the lace 50, the link 22 ispreferably formed with a recess or groove 70, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.The recess 70 may be continuous along the entire width of the link 22 ormay be discontinuous, so that the recess is formed only where actuallyneeded to accommodate the portions of the lace extending between thelace openings 54. The formation of the other link 20 is such as toprovide a clearance space 72 for theportions of the lace 50 extendingbetween the lace openings 54 in the base 16. This space 72 isattributable not only to the formation to the link 20, but also to theprovision of the projection 40 on the base member 16.

The construction shown in FIG. 3 is slightly modified in that themembers 16 and 18 are provided with soft resilient pads 74 and 76,mounted on the lower sides of the members. These pads 74 and 76 may bemade of foam or sponge rubber, or some similar plastic foam material.Other suitable soft resilient materials may also be employed. The pads74 and 76 are adapted to be. compressed when the toggle links 20 and 22are swung to their closed position. This compression of the pads makesit possible to accommodate variations in the extent to which the closureflaps can be drawn together, without excessive tightness. Thus, the padstend to obviate any uncomfortable tightness when the closure device isclosed.

FIG. 7 illustratesa modified construction in which the hinge element 26is replaced with separable interfitting hook elements 78 and 80 on thebase member 16 and the link 20. When the link 20 is not in its closedposition as shown in FIG. 7, the hook elements 78 and 80 hold the link20 against the base member 16. When the link 20 is swung to itsopenposition, the hook elements 78 and 80 can be separated. The modifiedconstruction of FIG. 7 is advantageous when it is necessary to providefor wide separation of the base members 16 and 18, when the closuredevice is open.

As in the case of the other embodiments, either or both base members maybe formed integrally with the means to be joined. In FIG. 7, the basemember 18 is formed integrally with a supporting member 82,- while thebase member 16 is adapted to be laced or otherwise secured to a closureflap or other member 84.

It will be evident from FIG. 1 that the closure device It) adds to theappearance of the shoe 12 and is quite attractive. The closure devicemay be mounted on the shoe, using the lace 50. Once that this has beendone, it is only necessary to open and close the closure device 10, whenthe shoe 12 is to be taken off or put on. It is much easier and quickerto operate the closure device, than it is to tie and untie ordinaryshoelaces. In the construction of FIG. 1, the lace 50 providesadjustability. The lace can be securely tied so that it will not comeloose during use. Thus the annoyance of untied shoelaces is obviated.The closure device is advantageous for shoes intended to be worn byyoung children, who are often not very adept at tying shoelaces.

Various other modifications, alternative constructions and equivalentsmay be employed, as will be evident to those skilled in the art.

I claim:

1. A closure device,

comprising a pair of base members,

a first swingable toggle link member having a first integral hingeconnection to one of said base members,

a second swingable toggle link member having a second integral hingeconnection to the other base member, and

a third integral hinge connection between said first and secondswingable toggle link members whereby said toggle link members areswingable to a closed position with said base members in a predeterminedrelation.

2. A closure device according to claim 1,

in which at least one of said members is resiliently yieldable uponmovement of said toggle link members to said closed position. a

3. A closure device according to claim 1,

in which at least one of said toggle link members is curved to providefor resilient flexure thereof upon movement of said toggle link membersto said closed position.

4. A closure device according to claim 1,

in which all of said members and said hinge connections are made in onepiece of resinous plastic material.

5. A closure device according to claim 1,

in which at least one of said base members has a resilientlycompressible element which is yieldable upon movement of said togglelink members to said closed position.

6. A closure device according to claim 1,

including means to be closed,

said means being integral with at least one of said base members.

7. A closure device according to claim 1,

in which said base members are provided with resiliently compressiblepad elements mounted on the undersides thereof.

8. A closure device according to claim -1,

in which said base members are formed with openings adapted to receiveone or more laces or the like to secure the base members in theirposition of use.

. 9. A closure device according to claim 8,

in which at least one of said toggle link members is formed with recessmeans opposite said openings to afford space for portions of the laces.

10. A closure device according to claim 8,

in which'said base members are formed with channels for receiving lacesor the like.

11. A closure device according to claim 1,

in which one of said toggle link members substantially covers andconceals the other toggle link member and said base members when saidtoggle link members are in said closed position.

12. A closure device according to claim 1,

in which one of said toggle link members substantially covers andconceals the other toggle link member when said toggle link members arein said closed position.

13. A closure device according to claim 1,

including closure supporting means having lace holes therein,

said base members being mounted against said closure supporting means,

said base members having lace openings therein, and lace openings tosecure said base members to said closure supporting means,

said lace means affording adjustability between said base members andsaid closure supporting means.

14. A closure device according to claim 13,

in which said base members have opposed edge portions,

said lace means being positioned to extend generally parallel to saidedge portions.

15. A closure device according to claim 13,

in which said lace means takes the form of a single lace with a portionextending between said base members.

16. A closure device according to claim 13,

in which said lace means takes the form of at least two laces threadedbetween said respective base members and closure flaps.

17. A closure device,

comprising a pair of base members,

first and second toggle link members adapted to be connected betweensaid base members,

a hinge connection between said toggle link members, and at least oneother hinge connection between at least one of said toggle link membersand one of said base members, said base members being provided with laceopenings for mounting said base members in positions of use. 18. Aclosure device according to claim 17, including lace means threadedthrough said lace openings. 19. A closure device according to claim 18,in which said base members have opposed edge portions, said lace meansbeing positioned to extend generally parallel to said opposed edgeportions.

20. A closure device according to claim 17 including opposed closuresupporting means,

said base members being mounted against said closure supporting means,

said closure supporting means having lace holes therein,

and

lace means threaded through said lace openings and lace holes to securesaid base members to said closure supporting means,

said lace means affording adjustability between said base members andsaid closure supporting means.

21. A closure device according to claim 17,

in which at least one of said toggle link members is formed with recessmeans opposite said openings to afford space for laces.

22. A closure device according to claim 17,

including hinge connections between both toggle link members and thecorresponding base members.

" UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No.3,600,761 D t d August 24, 1971 Inventofls) E Charles J. Mathey It iscertified that error appears in the above-identified patent and thatsaid Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

In the Abstract, line 6, "on" should read -one.

Column 1, line 28, A comma should be inserted after "links".

Column 5, line 45 After the comma insert -and lace means threadedthrough said lace holes Column 6, line 13, Change "flaps" to--supporting means-- Signed and sealed this 21st day of March 1972.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer- Commissioner'of Patents

1. A closure device, comprising a pair of base members, a firstswingable toggle link member having a first integral hinge connection toone of said base members, a second swingable toggle link member having asecond integral hinge connection to the other base member, and a thirdintegral hinge connection between said first and second swingable togglelink members whereby said toggle link members are swingable to a closedposition with said base members in a predetermined relation.
 2. Aclosure device according to claim 1, in which at least one of saidmembers is resiliently yieldable upon movement of said toggle linkmembers to said closed position.
 3. A closure device according to claim1, in which at least one of said toggle link members is curved toprovide for resilient flexure thereof upon movement of said toggle linkmembers to said closed position.
 4. A closure device according to claim1, in which all of said members and said hinge connections are made inone piece of resinous plastic material.
 5. A closure device according toclaim 1, in which at least one of said base members has a resilientlycompressible element which is yieldable upon movement of said togglelink members to said closed position.
 6. A closure device according toclaim 1, including means to be closed, said means being integral with atleast one of said base members.
 7. A closure device according to claim1, in which said base members are provided with resiliently compressiblepad elements mounted on the undersides thereof.
 8. A closure deviceaccording to claim 1, in which said base members are formed withopenings adapted to receive one or more laces or the like to secure thebase members in their position of use.
 9. A closure device according toclaim 8, in which at least one of said toggle link members is formedwith recess means opposite said openings to afford space for portions ofthe laces.
 10. A closure device according to claim 8, in which said basemembers are formed with channels for receiving laces or the like.
 11. Aclosure device according to claim 1, in which one of said toggle linkmembers substantially covers and conceals the other toggle link memberand said base members when said toggle link members are in said closedposition.
 12. A closure device according to claim 1, in which one ofsaid toggle link members substantially covers and conceals the othertoggle link member when said toggle link members are in said closedposition.
 13. A closure device according to claim 1, including closuresupporting means having lace holes therein, said base members beingmounted against said closure supporting means, said base members havinglace openings therein, and lace openings to secure said base members tosaid closure supporting means, said lace means affording adjustabilitybetween said base members and said closure supporting means.
 14. Aclosure device according to claim 13, in which said base membeRs haveopposed edge portions, said lace means being positioned to extendgenerally parallel to said edge portions.
 15. A closure device accordingto claim 13, in which said lace means takes the form of a single lacewith a portion extending between said base members.
 16. A closure deviceaccording to claim 13, in which said lace means takes the form of atleast two laces threaded between said respective base members andclosure flaps.
 17. A closure device, comprising a pair of base members,first and second toggle link members adapted to be connected betweensaid base members, a hinge connection between said toggle link members,and at least one other hinge connection between at least one of saidtoggle link members and one of said base members, said base membersbeing provided with lace openings for mounting said base members inpositions of use.
 18. A closure device according to claim 17, includinglace means threaded through said lace openings.
 19. A closure deviceaccording to claim 18, in which said base members have opposed edgeportions, said lace means being positioned to extend generally parallelto said opposed edge portions.
 20. A closure device according to claim17, including opposed closure supporting means, said base members beingmounted against said closure supporting means, said closure supportingmeans having lace holes therein, and lace means threaded through saidlace openings and lace holes to secure said base members to said closuresupporting means, said lace means affording adjustability between saidbase members and said closure supporting means.
 21. A closure deviceaccording to claim 17, in which at least one of said toggle link membersis formed with recess means opposite said openings to afford space forlaces.
 22. A closure device according to claim 17, including hingeconnections between both toggle link members and the corresponding basemembers.